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Missouri homeschool requirements

Last checked October 2026. This is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. Only your local prosecuting attorney can review home school records in Missouri.

Ways to homeschool in Missouri

Missouri law, RSMo 167.031, lets you teach your child in a home school, an FPE (Family Paced Education) school, a private or parochial school, a public school, or a mix of these. A home school and an FPE school have the same requirements. The difference: children in the MOScholars program can attend an FPE school but not a home school.

A home school gives private or religious-based instruction, enrolls no more than four children who aren't related to you, and doesn't charge tuition.

What you file, and when

Nothing is required to start. If your child is enrolled in a public school, send the school a written notice that you are choosing another option and ask that your child be dropped from the rolls. The school must do so promptly.

Hours and subjects

At least 1,000 hours of instruction each school year, which runs July 1 to June 30. At least 600 of those hours are in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies and science, or related academic courses. At least 400 of the 600 core hours take place at your regular home school location.

The state can't set a curriculum for home schools.

Records

Keep these, or other written or credible evidence that shows the same thing:

The hours and records rules don't apply once your child is 16.

Testing

Missouri doesn't require testing for home school.

What changed recently

In 2025, Missouri removed the old optional "declaration of enrollment" that parents could file with the county recorder of deeds or the school district. In 2024, the state created the FPE school option.

Where Gallop fits

Gallop's Records report prints, for each child and any date range, the days and minutes they worked, the subjects covered, each skill mastered with its date, and sample questions your child answered correctly. Minutes count time in Gallop only, not all of your teaching. Most parents add it to their own records rather than using it as their only record.

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FAQ

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Missouri?

No. If your child is enrolled in a public school, send a written request to have them dropped from the rolls.

Does time in Gallop count toward the 1,000 hours?

Time in Gallop is part of your teaching time. Hours are yours to track, and the Records report shows the days and minutes your child worked in Gallop.

Can a printed Gallop report go in my records?

Yes, as part of them. You still keep your own plan book or log, samples of work and evaluations.

Can I try it first?

Yes. Try 7 sample questions, or start the 7-day free trial. No card needed.

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